A Prayer to Know You Are More Than a Pawn
By Christopher Eyte
"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." - John 1:10-13
A pawn is the least valued piece in a game of chess. It moves forward in one direction only and just one step at a time. Even so, the pawn has the potential to change and become a queen if it reaches the other side. The idea is really quite remarkable. A boring, nondescript piece of plastic is unrealized royalty!
Some people see themselves as mere pawns on the chessboard of life. They are influenced by the condemnation of others who tell them, ‘You are nothing more than a pawn.’ This sense of negative identity eats into the soul. It can often lead to addictive lifestyles as ‘pawns’ look for self-worth and comfort. Examples of these dark coping mechanisms are reliance on virtual (internet-led) lifestyles, unbalanced eating habits, sexual addictions, gambling, shoplifting, alcohol, caffeine reliance, and even drugs, both ‘legal’ and illegal. This is not an exhaustive list.
This repetitive desecration of identity overwhelms those known as ‘sinners.’ It eventually seems to define them. Any notion of royalty becomes laughable on the aforementioned chessboard of life. Pawns are only helpless pawns, right?
Here is a truth that outrages atheists and those who refuse God’s love. The King of kings, Jesus Christ, entered the world as a pawn to rescue pawn addicts. The world didn’t recognize him but ‘his own’ did accept him. He was born to seek out and save those who have no self-control. To listen to those who feel least valued and very lost. Those who have given up. Anyone walking in darkness who wants light. Downtrodden and downhearted - sick and needing a cure. Pawns are stuck in a rut and moving forward only one step at a time.
Jesus isn’t interested in those who think they have got life right. ‘Those who are well have no need for a doctor,’ he once said. He holds his hand out to the weary. Jesus stands ready to forgive, restore, free, and love. Turn to him. Dwell upon this incredible invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest’.
If you are a pawn addict, or you know someone trapped in that sense of helpless identity, listen carefully to what Jesus says. Surely John 6:37b in the Bible sums it up best. Jesus is recorded as saying this: “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.”
Let’s pray:
Lord Jesus,
I am not a pawn. I am royal because you saved me. My identity is based on your love not on my failures. Today I choose to hold your hand again and trust you as you lead me. I am forgiven. I am free. I am loved. You accept me, and I accept you. Lead me as I follow you each day, week, month, and all the years ahead - always. Thank you. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Marchmeena29
Christopher Eyte lives with his wife Céline and three children in Swansea, Wales, UK. He has worked as a journalist for many years and writes his own blog (hislovefrees.life) encouraging others in their walk with Jesus. He became a Christian in February 2002, after a friend explained God's amazing grace!
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
